BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the present invention relates generally to machines usable by consumers for recovering water-inundated wireless telecommunication handsets and, more particularly, to self-service machines and methods for returning cellphones and other handheld wireless telecommunication devices (hereafter referred to as "handsets") to proper and complete working condition after the handsets have been exposed to excessive water or other electrically-conductive liquids.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Every year, about twenty-five percent of all cellphone handsets in the United States are exposed to liquid in amounts that disrupt handset operation— often resulting in complete loss of function of the handsets. Such overexposures to liquid can occur in rivers, lakes, seas, ponds, pools, toilets, sinks, buckets, aquariums, and open drink containers. The handsets might fall or be dropped into the water, or they might be carried in by hand or in pockets, carry cases, or other carry compartments, or they might get drenched when using water hoses and car wash sprayers.

[0003] Whatever the particular cause, the resulting damage can be devastating. In addition to complete loss of function of an expensive handset, valuable and often irreplaceable data is sometimes lost, causing frustration and loss of time while waiting and making arrangements for a replacement cellphone handset. Just considering hardware replacement costs, the resulting losses are in the billions of dollars per year. All the more once you consider service and reconnect fees and the incidental costs of lost work time, lost data, and lost business opportunities.

[0004] For purposes of these descriptions, except to the extent clarified otherwise, any and all causes of such overexposures to liquid are generally referred to as "immersions," and handsets that have been subject to such immersions are generally referred to as "inundated handsets," and processes for saving, salvaging, drying, restoring or remediating inundated handsets and/or data stored thereon from potential permanent loss or damage are generally referred to as "rescue" of such handsets.

[0005] Since the use of cellphone handsets became widely popular, many people have tried to find or develop safe, efficient, reliable, affordable and fast ways of rescuing inundated handsets and associated data, but the tremendous need remains largely unsatisfied. There is especially a lack of self-service methods of recovering inundated handsets.

[0006] It is fairly well-known that inundated handset batteries should be removed as soon as possible after inundation in order to avoid further damage, and various ways have been suggested to ensure the handset electronic components are completely dry before installing new batteries, but known techniques require lengthy periods of time - usually several days to be safe. Popular rescue techniques involve towel drying, tilting and shaking out as much water as possible before placing the inundated handset in a bag or envelope together with rice or some other form of desiccant to absorb moisture for a day or two. Then the handset can be toweled, tilted, and shaken again to ensure no more water comes out before attempting to turn it on again. Others suggest blowing or vacuuming air through the inundated handset to accelerate the drying process, such as by putting it over an air conditioning vent or by using a vacuum cleaner. However, general suggestions to accelerate drying with some form of heat have been routinely discouraged in order to avoid causing worse damage from overheating.

[0007] Most people with inundated handsets are forced to scrap the inundated handset and start over with a new one. Victims of inundated handsets have desired a feasible alternative for many years, but known techniques to speed up the drying process are simply so risky and speculative that most victims barely even try to rescue an inundated handset. Moreover, those that do try are still advised to wait at least twenty-four hours (if not several days) before risking powering up an inundated handset. Victims might try leaving it with a service desk at their local wireless carrier store, but the prospects are too speculative to be practical, not to mention that service desks often just try the same options that the victim had, albeit at a level allowing the handset to be more disassembled in order to further aid the drying process. The result means a victim still has to wait for an extended period of time with only a small chance for a successful rescue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Basic objectives of the present invention are to provide a fast and effective drying system and/or method for inundated handsets. Related objectives include providing an easy, reliable, rapid, and affordable use to partially or completely salvage inundated handsets and the data stored thereon. It is also an objective of the present invention to enable as much at locations convenient for end users and/or handset service personnel. Other objectives of the invention involve improving over the state of the art, and providing such systems and methods together with business methods and accommodations that will allow successful and sustainable implementation in the marketplace.

[0009] Many preferred embodiments provide solutions that are of minimal cost to the user, particularly if their use is ineffective in a given instance. Embodiments of the present invention help simplify and expedite the risky process of rapidly rescuing inundated handsets.

[0010] Through a synergistically effective and practical combination of technologies that induce a negative pressure atmosphere together with controlled thermal energy at levels that are significant yet relatively harmless to handset components and memory, a preferred embodiment goes against the teachings of the prior art to produce relatively safe and rapid drying of inundated handsets. Other embodiments incorporate a mechanical actuator to repeatedly or continuously reposition the inundated handset during the drying process in order to vary gravity's influence on any moisture remaining inside the handset while also helping to distribute the application of thermal energy more evenly to the handset. The speed of drying, in turn, renders many other aspects of the invention and the embodiments commercially feasible and practical for sustained use in the marketplace.

[0011] Some aspects of the invention are preferably hubbed around a machine that is adapted to facilitate rapid recovery of inundated handsets. Other aspects of preferred embodiments meet the objectives of the present invention by providing a basic dryer that can be easily accessed through unmanned stations or the like that are conveniently located for use by handset owners. Some preferred embodiments utilize a self-serve drying machine that can be accessed like a vending machine or through a convenient machine in a mall, while others use drying machines in or in close proximity to wireless carrier service centers. Still other embodiments are adapted to be used by or with the assistance of trained handset service personnel.

[0012] Related business methods of preferred embodiments derive revenue through licensing and marketing agreements with service center owners or the operators of other retail establishments such as courier mail centers.

[0013] Through convenient access and use, some preferred embodiments help to make the handset recovery process more accessible to a greater number of handset users, thereby enabling peace of mind that an attempt to salvage the handset has been made even if the handset or its data are, in fact, irretrievable. By partnering with wireless telecommunications carriers and/or shipping services, some preferred embodiments ensure availability of a rapid-handset-drying alternative through attractive business arrangements that compensate such partners with bonus fees that increase relative to the amount of revenue-generating use for the particular handset recovery station, in addition to reasonable flat fees. Some embodiments also generate revenue through referral services and/or advertising displays that provide handset users with information about other handset options, carrier options and/or handset service options, preferably in the general vicinity of each particular handset recovery station. In addition, preferred embodiments work to educate handset users on best practices for safe and effective use of handsets.

[00 4] Preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for rescuing inundated handsets. One particular embodiment includes a box (or station) that accessibly encloses a chamber into which the inundated handset can be placed and the chamber hermetically sealed. The box preferably includes both a vacuum pump and at least one thermal energy source for reducing the pressure and increasing the temperature, respectively, inside the hermetically sealed chamber. The thermal energy source(s) preferably include(s) an infrared heat lamp or a silicone heating pad that heats up the handset as well as the atmosphere in the chamber so that the moisture in the inundated handset can be driven into the vapor phase and the vacuum pump can pump the vapor out from the chamber. [0015] Some preferred embodiments of the invention bring together an array of technologies that combine to provide rapid and effective drying of inundated handsets that are placed in a sealed chamber within the rescue station. The combination is such that the embodiments generally restore full handset functionality (to the extent recoverable) within thirty minutes from activation of the particular station for treatment of an inundated handset. The array of combined technologies preferably includes the provision of a significantly subatmospheric pressure environment surrounding the inundated handset, together with other drying technologies. The other drying technologies preferably include at least one form of thermal energy transfer, either or both (a) infra-red radiated heating with a heat lamp or the like, to cause heating of the handset internal components to no more than a safe threshold temperature, preferably radiated from a source that is positioned at or above the elevation at which a handset would be positioned in the chamber, and (b) safe convected and/or conducted heating from a heat source located beneath the inundated handset compartment, and (c) desiccant and/or wicking technologies to accelerate removal of moisture from the drying compartment. "Safe" heating of the handsets shall be understood to mean heating of the handset at heating rates such that internal components starting at ambient temperature cannot be heated to more than a safe threshold temperature during the standard duration of treating the inundated handset. Some embodiments incorporate feedback control mechanisms in order to ensure that the combined levels of heating an inundated handset are indeed safe. Preferably, the safe maximum threshold temperature is 150 degrees Fahrenheit, although two alternative embodiments use safer maximum thresholds of 110 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, and those of skill in the art may determine or select a different safe threshold temperature.

[0016] In this respect, before explaining more about some of the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following descriptions or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of many other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in numerous other ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. [0017] As controlled vacuum and multimodal heat are applied to the handset, the moisture in the handset is substantially evaporated within less than thirty minutes in most cases, and always within less than twenty-four hours. A moisture sensor is preferably used to monitor changes in relative humidity within the vacuum chamber. When the relative humidity remains below a predefined threshold, the controller concludes that the handset is then relatively safe for use and indicates as much to the user.

[0018] Many other problems, obstacles, limitations and challenges of the present invention, as well as its corresponding objectives, features and advantages, will be evident to the reader who is skilled in the art, particularly when this application is considered in light of the prior art, and it is intended that these objectives, features and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Fig. 1 is a simplified isometric perspective view of a system 10 that embodies and incorporates and uses embodiments of the present invention, for rapid rescue of inundated handsets 100.

[0020] Fig. 1A is a simplified isometric perspective view of a self-service machine 510 that incorporates an embodiment of the present invention that includes features analogous to the features of system 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 1 B is a simplified isometric perspective view of a partially assembled self-service machine 510 shown in Fig. 1A.

[0022] Fig. 1C is a simplified isometric perspective view of a partially assembled self-service machine 510 that incorporates an embodiment of the present invention and shows the placement of the advertising and operating screen displays.

[0023] Fig. 1 D is a simplified isometric perspective view of a partially assembled self-service machine 510 incorporating an embodiment of the present invention showing the operation of advertising and operating screen displays.

[0024] Fig. 1 E is a detailed simplified isometric perspective view of the system of the present invention shown in Fig. 1A nearly completely assembled, disclosing in greater detail the variable screen display elements.

[0025] Figs. 1F & 1G are detailed simplified isometric perspective views of self- service machine 510 disclosing in greater detail the variable screen display elements of the advertising and operating screen displays during the process of carrying out the method of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a pictorial schematic diagram of the right rescue chamber 60 of the embodiment of system 10 shown in Fig. 1 , with various structural elements such as chamber walls 61, 63 and 64, and door 70 shown partially in sagittal cross-section generally on the viewing perspective 2-2 referenced in Fig. 1.

[0027] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a rescue chamber showing the heating pad and false back of the rescue.

[0028] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the rescue chamber showing the rescue chamber door.

[0029] Fig. 2C is a detailed simplified isometric perspective view of the back of a rescue chamber showing the various connections from outside the chamber to inside the chamber. [0030] Fig. 2D is a top plan view of the heating pad element of the alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 A.

[0031] Fig. 2E is a simplified isometric perspective view of the back of a partially assembled self-service machine 510 showing the placement and positioning of the rescue chambers and the other primary operational components, as well as the connections between the components.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a view of the various details of chamber 60 of an alternative embodiment, shown in pictorial schematic form to match the depiction of the embodiment of Fig. 2.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a stick-figure pictorial perspective view of a user 150 using system 10 to save an inundated handset 100, with a second person 160 watching from behind counter 300.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a particular embodiment of a method of the present invention, including numerous representative steps in the operation of the inundated handset rescue system 10.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment 10' of rescue system 10, with the doors 50, 70 to each chamber 40, 60 shown in transparent line in order to reveal a preferred form that includes a handset agitator subsystem 400 for periodically or continuously moving handset 10 during a rescue attempt.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a photographic perspective view of the preferred handset agitator subsystem 400 of Fig. 6, shown separate from the other elements of alternative embodiment 10'.

[0037] Figs. 8A - 8J are detailed screen shots of the instructional display 520 of the alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1A, disclosing variations in the elements of the screen display presented to the user during the process of carrying out the method of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 9A is a detailed simplified isometric perspective view of an alternate assembly for opening and closing the door of each rescue chamber of the alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1A, disclosing the lever arm and latch slot components of the assembly.

[0039] Fig. 9B is a simplified isometric perspective view of the interior of the self- service machine 510 shown in Fig. 1A disclosing the placement of the two rescue chambers and the various components associated with each alternate assembly for opening and closing the door of each rescue chamber.

[0040] Figs. 9C & 9D are detailed plan views showing the placement and operation of the individual components in each of the alternate assemblies for opening and closing the doors of each rescue chamber, Fig. 9D being essentially a mirror image of Fig. 9C and together representing the two door opening and closing assemblies placed on the interior of the self-service machine 510 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] An understanding of various preferred and alternative embodiments can be gleaned from a review of this description and the accompanying illustrations, wherein attempts are made to use like numerals for similar and/or analogous components from one subsystem to another and from one embodiment to another, all of which should be considered in light of the many teachings of the prior art.

[0042] Alternative preferred embodiments are occasionally described or illustrated in paragraphs, sentences or drawings that are separate from those for other preferred embodiments. Most alternative preferred embodiments, however, are described in the context of a sentence or group of sentences merely by reference to one or more alternatives for an individual component or step, as may or may not be set apart by parentheses. The reader should understand that, whenever alternative components, steps or the like are referenced in this or in any other manner, each such alternative component, step or the like may be used in virtually any combination where the other alternatives are described, illustrated or implied as being used, except perhaps to the extent that one of ordinary skill in the art would clearly recognize that such other combinations would not result in any of the structure, functionality, objectives or purposes of the present invention as ultimately claimed.

[0043] Although more detailed components are depicted in Figs. 1-3, the basic context of typical use is depicted in Fig. 4, which uses a stick-figure pictorial perspective to show a user 150 preparing to use system 10 to save an inundated handset 100 and the data stored thereon. As shown there, a handset rescue system 10 according to the present invention is preferably embodied in a form adapted to simultaneously rescue one or multiple inundated handsets such as handset 100, in a corresponding number of rescue chambers 40, 60. Imperfect vacuum (or negative pressure) system 10 as illustrated is embodied as a self-contained, self-service unit that is configured to rest on a countertop 300, although it should be recognized that alternative embodiments may be configured as self-standing units with a base that rest directly on the floor.

[0044] While other contexts of use are also within the scope of various aspects of the present invention, countertop 300 is preferably a service counter or another countertop or tabletop in or proximate to a service department of a store involved in the retail sale of handsets. Deployment of system 10 in such proximate locations serves the compound benefits of: (a) more easily referring users 150 from the service department to the system 10 for inundated handsets 100, both to off-load service demands on personnel 160 and to generate revenue for the store (as will be described in business method contexts further below); (b) enabling automated and other referrals from system 10 to the nearby service department and/or the handset sales department of such retail store when the level of damage to inundated handsets 100 exceeds mere inundation; and (c) ensuring that trained service personnel 160 can be readily available for self-service users 150 of system 10 in the case of extraordinary needs, to the extent workflow in the service department allows.

[0045] Other modes and contexts of use may involve variations of rescue system 10 that are customized or dedicated for use behind counter 300, for use only or primarily by trained service technicians 160. Still other modes and contexts involve use of system 10 or other embodiments in the form of a countertop or self-standing handset rescue system 10 deployed much as a vending machine in a public area within proximity to one or more handset service centers. Such countertop or self- standing embodiments, alternatively, may be deployed within or adjacent to an establishment such as a postal center, an electronics store, a mall kiosk, a drinking establishment, or any other suitable business establishment with customer service and/or technical service representatives 160 who are often available at or near the location of system 10 to help users 150 use system 10 and/or related processes when necessary.

[0046] Despite the availability of personnel 160 in a particular context of use, system 10 preferably includes a user interface panel 30 or the like with instructions displayed thereon and/or generated through an interactive graphic user interface 31 or other form of processionally instructive user interface. Such displayed and/or generated instructions are preferably provided processionally and in such detail as to enable system 10 to be operated on a self-serve basis, as or as though system 10 is deployed in an unmanned, unmonitored setting. An embedded processor controls a Graphical User Interface, GUI 32 and other components of a user interface panel 30 to enable user 150 to fully exercise the system 10. The GUI 32 preferably includes an interactive digital display that is friendly and robust enough to endure constant long-term use. More simple alternatives merely include simple gauges together with an assortment of lighted buttons or status indicator lights that are illuminated in a limited number of sequences to represent the stage in operation of system 10 at any particular point in time. Other forms of audible and visual alarms and alerts are also preferably included on panel 30 to direct user 150 appropriately during use of system 10. Irrespective of the sophisticated attributes of user interface panel 30, the presence of personnel 160 provides the benefit of helping users 150 operate system 10, as other workflow demands may allow. A timer and control switch alternative may also be included, while some preferred embodiments incorporate an integrated program timer and elapsed time indicator. Analog pressure gauges that display the pressure difference between the inner chamber and the ambient pressure may also be used as alternatives to the GUI 32.

[0047] The instructions presented by user interface panel 30 preferably include instructions that include recommended steps for preparing handset 100 for a rescue attempt. Such instructions preferably include: (1) a warning against attempting to turn on an inundated handset 100 before it is completely dry; (2) an imperative recommendation to remove the battery of an inundated handset before attempting rescue; (3) a recommendation to consider a water pre-wash of the inundated handset 100 in order to flush out any non-water solutions (such as soda, seawater or toilet water) in order to help remove bi-salts or materials that might not evaporate as readily as pure water; (4) direction to disinfect handset 100 and/or to place it in a protective pouch 101 prior to attempting rescue; and (5) a disclaimer of any supposed guarantee or promise from conducting an attempted rescue of the handset 100. Some of the same instructions, or additional instructions, are also preferably printed at a location 104 somewhere on the exterior of pouch 101 , together with an image 105 that serves a trademark-like function.

[0048] The pouch 101 is preferably a closeable envelope formed of a tea-bag-like material that is highly vapor permeable to allow ready evaporation of moisture during a rescue attempt. Pouch 101 is preferably sized smaller than the dimensions within chamber 60 and yet larger than the dimensions of most handsets 100. A supply of disposable pouches 101 is preferably stored with system 10 for use by users 150. Each pouch 101 is preferably formed much like an envelope, with one panel 102 that extends so that it can fold over like a flap in order to enclose the inundated handset

100 therein. A patch 103 of closure material such as an adhesive patch or a hook- and-loop fastener is preferably also integral with pouch 101 to help keep the pouch

101 closed once an inundated handset has been placed therein.

[0049] In some alternative embodiments, pouch 101 (or other components) incorporates additional disinfecting and/or drying technologies along with other aspects of the preferred embodiments. The pouch 101 , for instance, in one group of preferred embodiments includes a desiccant therein, preferably within another pouch inside pouch 101 , to allow for an even lower attainable humidity level during a rescue attempt and to further accelerate the rescue process. Such a desiccant feature also ensures that a level of drying takes place either before or after the actual rescue attempt in chamber 60. A lesser level of accelerated drying is able to begin as soon as an inundated handset is placed in pouch 101. Although there are many ways of integrating desiccant technologies in system 10, another preferred alternative embodiment has an area in each chamber 40, 60 that is shaped and primarily dedicated to allow for placement of an otherwise loose bag formed of a porous net or paper-like fiber material and containing a quantity of desiccant beads. The desiccant drying system can also help enable use of less powerful vacuum and/or less powerful thermal sources, thereby reducing equipment costs, although use of such alternatives preferably involves routine replacement (or separate drying) of the desiccant bags.

[0050] Basic mechanical design and basic functionality of various preferred embodiments of system 10 can be appreciated from a review of further detail shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As shown there, a relatively comprehensive version of system 10 preferably incorporates five basic subsystems, namely: (1) one or more user-accessible hermeticaliy-sealable handset rescue chambers 40, 60 together with related adaptations for receiving and supporting an inundated handset 100;

(2) a corresponding number of negative pressure subsystems 110 for delivering and maintaining controlled levels of rapid-drying subatmospheric pressure to chambers 40, 60 (i.e., an atmosphere controlled to achieve sustained vacuum gauge pressure in excess of thirty mmHg subatmospheric within chambers 40, 60);

(3) at least a corresponding number of heating assemblies 80 or 130 for delivering and maintaining safe controlled levels of rapid-drying thermal energy to chambers 40, 60 and inundated handsets 100 positioned therein, preferably in multi-modal form;

(4) a user interface panel 30 or the equivalent, preferably with one or more types of user interface modules incorporated therein with adaptations for interactive use by and for user 50; and

(5) a control subsystem managed by a logic controller 200 or the equivalent, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in Fig. 2, simplified and combined with power distribution modules for purposes of controlling and coordinating operation of the other subsystems to achieve and ensure the delivery and sufficiency of the overall rescue functionality provided by system 10.

[0051] Subsystems adapted to function accordingly are preferably integrated into a compact, robust, reproducible, user-friendly system that is aesthetically appealing. Adaptations are also preferably included to ensure that the system 10 is made from off-the-shelf components that are readily serviceable and easy to troubleshoot, while still fulfilling all functional requirements.

[0052] Naturally, as may be elaborated further herein, other components of preferred embodiments of system 10 may also be contemplated, many of which are crudely illustrated in the drawings, and many of which would be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art, the details of which are not as central to an understanding of the invention and/or preferred embodiments. Various forms of connectors and mounting hardware, for instance, would be used to integrate and support the various subsystems within and around the main housing 11. Tubing, conduit, manifolds, gates, switches and electrical wiring would also be included between major system components to allow them to operate in the manner described herein and to communicate both energy and data.

[0053] Although interaction with user interface panel 30 may occur first during a typical sequence of using system 10, this description focuses first on a description of the structure and function of rescue chambers 40 and 60, themselves. Alternative embodiments may only have a single chamber, but multi-chambered embodiments such as that shown in Fig. 1 are preferred, wherein each chamber 40, 60 is a separate subatmospheric pressure vessel capable of individually rescuing an inundated handset 00.

[0054] The two rescue chambers 40, 60 are preferably of similar construction relative to one another. A user 150 may choose to use either chamber 40, 60 and receive substantially similar results. User 150 can use one of the two chambers 40, 60 while another user is using the other chamber. User 150 may also process two inundated handsets at the same or overlapping times in the two different chambers 40, 60. Given the similar aspects of chambers 40 and 60, components of chamber 60 are numbered for purposes of this description much like the numbering of the comparable components of chamber 40, with addition of twenty. For example, just as chamber 60 is numbered twenty more than chamber 40 in this description, so too, rescue platform 65 has a reference number that is twenty greater than the one for rescue platform 45, and door 70 has a reference number that is twenty greater than the one for door 50. Even though there may be incidental differences, such as hinging of doors 50 and 70 on opposite sides (door 50 being hinged on the left and door 70 being hinged on the right in Fig. 1), the reader should understand that descriptions of components of one of chambers 40, 60 apply comparably to components of the other of chambers 40, 60, as well.

[0055] With either chamber 40 or 60, preparation for delivering rescue energy to handset(s) 100 requires opening of the corresponding door 50, 70 (unless it is already open), placing the inundated handset 100 inside the chamber 40, 60, and then closing (and preferably latching) the door 50, 70 in order to seal the space within the corresponding rescue chamber 40, 60. For instance, the big arrow in Fig. 1 illustrates placement of handset 100 on platform 45 in chamber 40, while the corresponding door 50 is open. Once inundated handset 100 is in place on platform 45 (referred to as "rescue platform 45"), user 150 is preferably prompted by user interface 30 to close door 50 and to make sure that latch 21 is engaged to retain door 50 in its closed and sealed position. While the walls 61-65 of chamber 60 must be strong enough to avoid catastrophic failure when subject to the target subatmospheric pressures therein, the inner surface 60b of each chamber 40, 60, is preferably made of a corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel or plastic.

[0056] Inside the chamber is a platform 45 where the handset 100 during a rescue attempt. Preferably, the platform is both perforated (or porous) and thermally conductive, preferably in the form of an expanded aluminum sheet, rack or mesh, supported by braces that are bonded to the interior walls 61a of drying chamber 60. The thermal conductivity of the rescue platforms 45, 65 serves both to help deliver heat to the handset during heating, as well as to allow it to rapidly cool (to avoid an overly hot sensation to a user's touch) when the heating cycle is discontinued. Platform 65 is preferably permanently bonded to the inner surface 61a of cylinder 61 by virtue of welds 66 and 67. Other methods of attachment are also known in the art, some of which would enable selective removal of platform 65 for purposes of cleaning and/or maintenance. As represented in Fig. 1 (detail omitted in Fig. 2), platforms 45 and 65 are preferably perforated or otherwise porous to minimize interference with the evaporation of water moisture from the handset 100, the placement of handset 100 on platform 65 also being shown in Fig. 3.

[0057] Each chamber 40, 60 is sized large enough to receive an inundated handset 100 therein, preferably of a size that is large enough to accommodate at least ninety-five percent of all handset models currently being produced. At the same time, the size of each chamber 40, 60 is also not oversized in order to allow for rapid reduction of the pressure therein when a rescue attempt is initiated and to allow system 10 to achieve the target level of negative pressure for rescue in less than five minutes. Accordingly, the overall size of an annular wall 62 that defines the outer extent of chamber 60 is preferably sized to be less than eight inches in length and to have an inside diameter less than eight inches, and preferably less than six inches. In addition to or instead of limiting the outer extent of chamber 60, system 10 also preferably incorporates other adaptations to reduce the sealed volume of space that is operatively sealed within chambers 40, 60, in which pressure is to be reduced during rescue. For instance, such sealed volume is preferably minimized by placing permanent (or removable) space-filling blocks such as blocks 97-99 (98 appearing in Fig. 2) in unnecessary open spaces within the sealed geometries of chambers 40, 60.

[0058] To enable a more effective seal and ease of opening and closing of each door 50 and 70, those doors 50, 70 are pivotally secured to front panel 20 (or associated structure) of housing 11 , preferably through use of double-hinge assemblies 55 and 75, respectively. More particularly, with reference to double hinge assembly 75, each double hinge assembly 75 has a proximal hinge 76 and a distal hinge 78, the pivotal axes of which are parallel and preferably vertical. Proximal hinge 76 is permanently anchored to front panel 20 and provides for a pivotal relationship (hinged) between intermediate flange 77 and panel 20. Distal hinge 78, thence, provides for a pivotal relationship (hinged) between a distal flange 79 and intermediate flange 77, with distal flange being bolted (or otherwise rigidly and integrally joined) to the front face 71 of door 70.

[0059] The doors 50, 70 serve as closures for the chambers 40, 60, respectively. With reference to door 70 of right chamber 60, as also shown in Fig. 2, each door 50, 70 is preferably provided with an integral central window 52, 72, which is generally transparent to enable viewing of the inundated handset 100 while doors 50, 70 are closed. The transparency of window 72 generally allows viewing of handset 100 and the surrounding space in chamber 60 before, during and after the rescue process. For adequate strength and to ensure a seal over the chamber 60, window 72 is generally transparent but is strong enough to withstand the inward force induced on it by the targeted subatmospheric pressure induced within chamber 60 during rescue. To ensure adequate strength, window 72 is preferably made of 3/8" thick clear and/or reinforced shatterproof glass or acrylic, or the equivalent or stronger. During assembly of unit 10, in order to improve the later performance of system 10, window 72 is tightly fit into a mounting slot through conventional means (not detailed), which involves use of gaskets and/or durable sealants around the perimeter of window 72.

[0060] In alternative embodiments, rather than window 72 being limited to the central region of door 70 as illustrated, the entire bulk of door 70 may be formed of transparent material in order to provide greater visibility into chamber 60 and to simplify part of the fabrication and complexity of door 70. In such alternative embodiments, despite the transparency of the bulk of door 70, it should be recognized that other related components integrally connected to door 70 may be non-transparent, preferably only to the extent they do not fully obstruct the transparency of door 70. For instance, gasket 69 (as shown in Fig. 2), hinge assembly 75, and latch 22, and the connecting bolts, adhesive or the like, may still be formed of more conventional opaque materials, with adaptations as may be conventional to accommodate the acrylic or other transparent material of door 70.

[0061] A handle 74 is also integrally mounted to protrude from the front face 71 of door 70, preferably with through-bolts (not shown) that span from the interior surface of door 70 to its outer front surface 71 , and preferably sealed in a manner that ensures no pressure leakage through door 70. Once rigidly and integrally mounted on front face 71 of door 70, handle 74 preferably has an orientation such that handle 74 extends outwardly (i.e., toward user 150) from the front face 71 of door 70 when door 70 is closed. Such outwardly extending orientation of handle 74 enables manual gripping of handle 74 for manual opening and closing of door 70 by user 150.

[0062] An annular gasket 69 is preferably provided to help complete a substantially hermetic seal within chamber 60. Gasket 69 is preferably a flat gasket having the same general shape as, albeit slightly larger than, the access opening 60a of chamber 60 and is adhered and/or otherwise affixed to the interior surface of door 70. Such gasket 69 is positioned and has properties such that a substantially hermetic seal is formed between door 70 and a matching annular surface 62 around the primary opening 60a of rescue chamber 60 when door 70 is completely closed. Plugs and other sealants are also preferably used in and/or around other ports 91-94 into chamber 60, to likewise ensure a practically hermetic seal within chamber 60 when door 70 is fully closed. As is also the case with such other plugs, gasket 69 is preferably formed of rubber or a flexible, rubber-like material, such as latex and/or tempered silicone (or the equivalent).

[0063] As an alternative to a flat gasket such as that illustrated for gasket 69, other types of seals and gaskets may also be preferred to further enable the seal around primary access opening 60a. One such alternative may be in the form of an O-ring seal in a groove, or a cured silicone bead or the equivalent affixed or applied either to the inner face of door 70 or to the annular surface 62 where door 70 meets housing 11 when door 70 is in a closed position over primary access opening 60a. Another preferred alternative form of gasket 69 in alternative embodiments is in the form of an elastic gasket that captures and is held in place on the outer perimeter of door 70, in part by overlapping and embracing both the inside and outside surfaces (and the circumferential edge) of the circular perimeter of door 70, much as a tire overlaps and embraces the circular perimeter of a wheel hub. Some alternative embodiments may omit a gasket or resilient seal to the extent permitted by the scope of the claims.

[0064] After door 70 is manually closed, latch 22 is preferably provided by system 10 to keep the door 70 closed until the rescue attempt is over and user 150 knowingly releases latch 22. Preferably, latches 21 and 22 (for latching doors 50 and 70, respectively) are both centrally oriented on front panel 20, with distal pawls 21a and 22a facing laterally outward, toward hinge assemblies 55 and 75, respectively. The distal pawl 22a of central latch 22 is shaped and oriented to latch over a central edge of the front face 71 when door 70 is fully closed. Moreover, each such pawl 21a, 22a is preferably spring-biased laterally outward to further ensure the pawls 21a and 22a remain latched over doors 50 and 70 until user 150 (or an automated latch release actuator, as an alternative) intentionally opens latch 21 , 22. Thus, latches 21 and 22 preferably ensure that the corresponding seal around doors 50 and 70 - formed between the gaskets 49, 69 and the matching annular surface 42, 62 of housing 11 (or related structure) is kept substantially hermetical until the latch 21 , 22 is opened to allow door 50, 70 to open in turn. To the extent permitted by the properly construed scope of original or amended claims, various features of doors 50, 70 may be omitted or substituted without materially compromising other aspects of the invention.

[0065] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the bulk of chamber 60 is defined by cylinder 61 , which is provided with an overhead infra-red source chamber 85 by welding an additional box-like enclosure sealed over an opening 68 cut into the top wall of cylinder 61 during fabrication. Alternative embodiments achieve an overall smaller volume and simplified construction for chamber 60 by mounting comparable components completely within the cylindrical perimeter of cylindrical wall 61 , such as shown somewhat in Fig. 3. [0066] In some preferred embodiments, the thermal energy source is accompanied by an ultraviolet energy source for sanitizing the handset. In such embodiments, sealed electrical port 92 of Fig. 2 (or sealed electrical port 268 of Fig. 3) allow electrical power leads to enter the chamber 60 (or 60' in Fig. 3), and a UV bulb and associated fixtures are positioned alongside the infra-red bulb 87 (or 87' in Fig. 3). The UV bulb (not separately shown but at the same basic location as infrared bulb 87, 87') is preferably separated from infrared bulb 87 by a thermal shield to minimize radiated heat damage from bulb 87. In such embodiments, controller 200 controls operation of the UV bulb to substantially reduce the quantity of any living microbial organisms on handset 100. The operation of the UV bulb during a rescue session preferably occurs automatically with every rescue session in order to minimize the risk of potentially infectious material on handset 100, although those of ordinary skill in the art may wish to include additional controls in order to allow selective use or non-use of the UV bulb during a given rescue attempt. Irrespective of whether selected or automatic, the operation of the UV bulb may be controlled by controller 200 to occur concurrent with that of infrared bulb 87, preferably during the initial portion of a rescue attempt, such as during the first two minutes (or other duration) of a rescue attempt. Other preferred embodiments activate the UV bulb during different time periods than delivery of thermal energy, such as before or after heating, preferably before heating in order to kill microbes before pumping contaminated gases into pneumatic system 110.

[0067] For alternative embodiments, particularly for those that do not include UV bulb adaptations, instructions are preferably presented by user interface 30 directing a user 150 to clean and disinfect the handset before conducting a rescue attempt. A container of disinfectant wipes and/or solution accompanies system 10 in some alternative embodiments that do not have the UV bulb structure. Although there would be many suitable disinfectants, one such disinfectant in preferred embodiments includes a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water in a shake bottle, for use in cleaning out the phone of pathogens.

[0068] In many preferred embodiments, in addition to the primary opening 60a of chamber 60, there are several additional sealed boreholes or comparable breaches through various walls of chamber 60. Each of such boreholes is effectively sealed prior to operation of chamber 60, with the arguable exception of subatmospheric port 91 through chamber wall 63, through which the controlled subatmospheric pressure of system 10 is delivered to chamber 60 and sustained therein during a rescue attempt by negative pressure subsystem 110.

[0069] During each rescue attempt, negative pressure subsystem 110 is operated by controller 200 to deliver subatmospheric pressure at a target magnitude through port 91 in rear wall 63 of chamber 60 (although other suitable negative pressure ports may be positioned through other walls such as a sidewall of a cylinder 61 of chamber 60 in alternative preferred embodiments). The target magnitude for subatmospheric pressure for the present invention is different in various preferred alternative embodiments of system 10. Some alternative embodiments provide only slight levels of negative pressure, preferably at least fifty mmHg subatmospheric in one alternative embodiment, and preferably one-hundred mmHg or more in another alternative embodiment.

[0070] Embodiments with only slight levels of negative pressure are less preferred than embodiments in which negative pressure subsystem 110 is operated by controller 200 to deliver a more complete vacuum, which preferably delivers target subatmospheric pressures in excess of a half-atmosphere, and preferably in excess of five-hundred mmHg, in negative gauge pressure within chamber 60.

[0071] In preferred embodiments, the target magnitude of subatmospheric pressure from subsystem 110 is sufficient to create an absolute pressure within chamber 60 that is less than the vapor pressure of water at the temperature of the atmosphere that is left in chamber 60. By producing such a target magnitude of subatmospheric pressure for a minimum duration of time (referred to as the "dwell time"), system 10 ensures very rapid evaporation of all water moisture that may be in the inundated handset 100 in less than an hour, and typically in less than twenty minutes from the point at which the target magnitude of subatmospheric pressure is attained in chamber 60.

[0072] Preferred embodiments allow for a subatmospheric subsystem 110 that delivers significantly less than complete vacuum pressures, and that therefore allows for less-costly and more moderate pump sizes. Such preferred embodiments allow as much by combining the negative pressure subsystem 110 with a thermal energy system, such as an infrared system 80 and/or a resistive heating element 130. By combining both thermal and pressure forms of energy, subsystem 110 does not necessarily require as great of a magnitude of either one in order to achieve rapid yet adequate drying. Hence, subsystem 110 preferably is designed to achieve a target magnitude of more than five-hundred but less than seven-hundred-sixty mmHg subatmospheric in chamber 60. With such specifications, subsystem 110 is able to perform with a dwell time of less than an hour while still being reliably effective at removing substantially all water moisture from inundated handset 100. Preferably, though, subsystem 110 is capable of delivering subatmospheric pressures of more than six-hundred mmHg subatmospheric in closed chamber 60 such that the thermal energy delivered can create temperatures of no more than 150° F or, more preferably, 120° F or 125° F, in the atmosphere within chamber 60, thereby minimizing the risk of material thermal damage to components of handset 100. Other preferred embodiments are specified with components of subsystem 110 such that the negative pressure subsystem is capable of delivering subatmospheric pressures of more than six-hundred-sixty-five mmHg subatmospheric to chamber 60.

[0073] One particularly preferred embodiment of subsystem 110 includes a diaphragm pump 118 that is operable to achieve 29.6 inHg (twenty-nine and six- tenths inches of mercury), which is more vacuum than seven-hundred-fifty mmHg subatmospheric. While oil-less pumps may be used, a particularly preferred embodiment of system 10 incorporates a two-stage, 1.5 cubic foot per minute pump for pump 118, which preferably runs on 120 VAC. Low-noise pumps are also preferred, although low-noise characteristics are not necessary for most aspects of the invention.

[0074] Negative pressure subsystem 110 principally includes the vacuum pressure string that is operatively connected to tubing 111 that extends from port 91 of chamber 60. Aside from portions of the control logic which is part of controller 200, negative pressure subsystem 110 preferably includes at least the following components: two pressure transducers 112, 116, a pneumatic line dryer 113, a normally-closed valve 114 actuated by powered actuator 115, an accumulator tank or bottle 117, pump 118 connected to serve as a vacuum pump, and conventional sealed connectors on tubing 111 between as much. With the possible exception of accumulator tank 117, each of those individual components are preferably off-the- shelf pneumatic components connected in a conventional manner for creating, sustaining and conveying subatmospheric pressure. The accumulator tank 117 may be available off the shelf, but it can be formed with any substantially rigid and air tight enclosure that is sufficiently strong for its purposes and is shaped to fit within the desired space in housing 11. The primary purpose of accumulator tank 117 is to accumulate subatmospheric pressure before commencement of a rescue attempt, so that the accumulated pressure can be used to speed up the process of attaining target subatmospheric pressures within chamber 60 once rescue has been initiated by controller 200.

[0075] The tubing 111 is preferably a rigid pneumatic pipe or the like, although thick-walled flexible tubing may also be used for all or part of the tubing 111 in subsystem 110 in alternative embodiments, to the extent that such tubing 111 is strong and rigid enough (or internally or externally reinforced) to avoid substantial collapse when subject to the subatmospheric pressures that are characteristic of use of system 10. When door 70 is fully closed and normally-closed valve 114 is opened by actuator 115 (under the control of controller 200), pump 118 itself serves to deliver and maintain controlled levels of rapid-drying subatmospheric pressure to chambers 40, 60 through port 91. A rapid-drying subatmospheric pressure shall be understood to be of sufficiently significant magnitude to create and sustain an atmosphere in chamber 60 that is in excess of target levels of vacuum gauge pressure, in excess of thirty mmHg subatmospheric within chamber 60.

[0076] The primary heating assembly of chamber 60 is preferably provided by either a heating pad 616 (such as shown in Fig. 2A) or an overhead infra-red heating assembly 80, which serves to deliver and maintain safely-controlled thermal energy. The thermal energy from pad 616 or assembly 80 serves to achieve and roughly maintain a target rescue temperature within chamber 60 (preferably within +/- five degrees Fahrenheit), which correlates to an indirect target temperature within inundated handset 100. Heating assembly 80 preferably includes a 100-watt halogen bulb 87 or another form of bulb producing infrared energy at adequate levels. In some embodiments, bulb 87 (or 87') may be a conventional incandescent bulb that is controlled to deliver infrared energy at sufficient operating levels. The target rescue temperature is set by controller 200 to be sufficient for rapid-drying of handset 100, which is preferably substantially complete drying of all liquid moisture in handset 100 within less than two hours and, more preferably within less than an hour or less than thirty minutes. [0077] Even though other target temperatures may be preferred for certain applications or for use with certain specs of pump 118, the target temperature within chamber 60 is preferably at least 1 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In other embodiments, such target temperature is preferably at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but no more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly where components of handsets 100 are more susceptible to material thermal damage. Some alternative embodiments are able to achieve and sustain 125 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, while thermal controls are included to avoid the risk of sustained temperatures in the atmosphere of chamber 60 in excess of approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Preferably, the maximum temperature in the atmosphere of chamber 60 is controlled to be less than the temperature at which typical inundated handsets 100 would sustain permanent material damage (i.e., melting, warping and/or other damage) if such handset 150 were to be held at that level of temperature for thirty minutes.

[0078] A thermal sensor 140 is preferably mounted in a wall 63 of chamber 60 to monitor the temperature of the atmosphere in chamber 60 to allow controller 200 to avoid excessive temperatures. A thermally-conductive goop is used around the temperature sensor 140 to make a thermal bridge to the thermally-conductive wall 63 of chamber 60, which increases the accuracy and effectiveness of sensor 140 considering air at very low pressures tends to be a partial thermal insulator. Some embodiments utilize a combined temperature and humidity sensor for sensor 140. In other embodiments, sensor 140 is or includes a thermostat, preferably a 125 degree bimetal thermostat. In still other preferred embodiments, sensor 140 has a higher temperature characteristic, preferably 140 or 150 degrees Fahrenheit, but the actual sensor 140 of such a thermostat is combined with a selectively variable resistor to enable reduction and other adjustment of its temperature reactions and, hence, adjustment of the maximum temperature permitted in chamber 60.

[0079] Heating assemblies of system 10 preferably include a resistive heating element and/or a flexible silicone heater assembly 130. Particularly when a flexible silicone heating pad is used, the pad is preferably oriented on the bottom of the chamber to serve as a support surface on which the handset 100 can be placed. Conductive heating assemblies such as a silicone heating pad provide a highly controllable mode of delivering thermal energy to handset 100 as well as to the atmosphere in chamber 60 that comes in contact with the heating elements. When combined with other forms of generating thermal energy, the result achieves multimodal heating of the handset 100. For these purposes, "multimodal" energy transfer is understood as being characterized by delivering such thermal energy from more than one thermal source and/or more than one type of thermal source.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 1 , user interface panel 30 preferably includes both a pre-printed graphic display 31 and one or more types of powered user interface modules incorporated therein for communicative interaction with user 150. Preferably, such interface modules include a graphic user interface 32 controlled by its own control module with interaction of controller 200. Graphic user interface 32 is preferably either in the form of a touchscreen and/or in the form of a screen display controlled to be coordinated together with soft-programmable button selectors 33 and 34. In addition to graphic interface 32, additional data entry keys 36 are also preferably included, as is credit card reader 35 and printer 37 (represented by a slot in Fig. 1).

[0081] Control of the operation of system 10 is relatively automated and managed generally by logic controller 200 which, for purposes of this description, is referenced in a simplified and combined form to include corresponding power distribution modules and is referenced alternately as either "controller 200" or "logic controller & power distribution modules 200," or the like. As illustrated in the flow of Fig. 5, once power to the system 10 is turned ON" through plugging in the power cord 12 and, preferably, through actuation of a power switch (not particularly shown) at initiation step 201 , the automatic controller 200 directs the preparation of each negative pressure system 110 to a state of readiness for the next rescue attempt, while also monitoring user interface panel 30 for attempts by user 150 to interact with system 10. The general readiness step is indicated as step 210, specifically including readying the GUI 32 and activating pump 118. Readying of GUI 32 involves, more particularly, controlling relays and the like to distribute operative power to panel 30 and thereby initiate any dedicated user interface processors associated with panel 30.

[0082] Preparation of negative pressure system 110 particularly includes energizing and actuating pump 118 to begin reducing pressure in accumulator tank 117. While valve 114 is normally closed, virtually all pressure reduction by pump 118 is therefore directed into tank 117, while controller 200 monitors the progress toward achieving an adequate negative pressure in tank 118 through feedback from pressure transducer 116, which is in open communication with tank 117. it should be understood that the target subatmospheric pressure to be attained at transducer 116 for this readiness preparation (for reference, the "target accumulator pressure") is preferably significantly more negative than the operative subatmospheric pressure to later be targeted in chamber 60 during a rescue attempt (for reference, the "target rescue pressure"). Preferably, to achieve rapid approach to the target rescue pressure once rescue is initiated, the target accumulator pressure is at least twice the gauge magnitude of the targeted rescue pressure.

[0083] As controller 200 continues managing preparation of system 10, it continually checks readiness at query step 202 in Fig. 5. Until controller 200 determines at query 202 that both the user interface panel is ready and the target accumulator pressure is attained, controller 200 will continue causing a "Please Wait" prompt to appear on GUI 32. Additionally, GUI 32 may display a recommendation for user 150 to consider a distilled water pre-wash of the inundated handset 100 in order to flush out any non-water solutions (such as soda, seawater or toilet water) in order to help remove bi-salts or materials that might increase the boiling point or not evaporate as readily as pure water. Rather than distilled water, some alternatives might include a bottle (or other source) of other liquid having known vaporization pressure characterizations that flushes out and replaces the liquid in the inundated handset 100, such that the other liquid preferably has a pH that is not harmful to standard handset electronic circuitry and components (an "approximately-neutral" pH), and the other liquid has a boiling point temperature less than that of distilled water.

[0084] Then, once system 10 is ready, processor 200 advances its query level to query step 204. Query step 204 is represented simply as "Rescue Activated" in Fig. 5. In actuality, the decision at step 204 is typically much more involved with preferred embodiments. For instance, to determine whether rescue is activated, preferred embodiments direct user 150 through a series of automated prompts, queries and disclaimers on user interface panel 30, partially in order to make sure user 150 understands the risks and prospects for use of system 10.

[0085] In addition, with self-service embodiments, electronic recognition of payment or credit must also be confirmed before rescue can be activated, through use of card reader 35 or other suitable transaction means, such as cash processors. If controller 200 determines that rescue has not been activated, a prompt appears on user interface panel 30 to encourage user to take actions so that rescue can be activated, or otherwise ask the user to "please wait" while query step 204 is repeated. Once controller 200 determines that rescue has been activated, processor 200 advances its query level to query step 212.

[0086] Query step 212 is intended to determine principally whether the corresponding chamber 40, 60 is adequately sealed for a rescue operation. Although more sophisticated seal verifications may be used also or in the alternative, query step 212 preferably looks at feedback from door closure switch 73 and, if switch 73 indicates door 70 is fully closed, then system 200 presumes that the chamber is adequately sealed. Although not required for all aspects of the invention, alternative embodiments also use other performance indicators to alert users (or service personnel) of inadequate seals if pressure levels are not responsive enough during actual rescue processes also. Analogous pressure tests may be part of the "Chamber Sealed?" verification process at step 212. For so long as controller 200 determines that the respective closure switch 73 is not in a door-fully-closed state, then controller 200 continues to cause prompts to user 150 directing user 150 to close door 50 or 70 (or the associated latches 21 , 22) or to otherwise achieve a sufficiently sealed chamber at step 212. Once query step 212 is answered affirmatively by controller 200, controller 200 causes system 10 to initiate a corresponding rescue attempt at step 214.

[0087] As indicated in Fig. 5, initiating a rescue attempt at step 214 involves commencing a rescue and then controlling the components of system 10 to rapidly achieve and then maintain (or hold) the target rescue atmosphere in the sealed chamber 40, 60 that holds handset 100. The target rescue atmosphere preferably includes maintaining a combination of a target subatmospheric pressure and a target temperature in the corresponding rescue chamber 40, 60. Commencement of rescue itself, in its simplest preferred form, involves simply energizing at least one thermal source 80, 130 and causing actuator 115 to fully open valve 114, to thereby open chamber 60 to the subatmospheric pressures accumulated in tank 117. It should be recognized, though, that a proportional valve may also be used as valve 114, to enable more sophisticated initiation and maintenance of target rescue pressure. In most embodiments, sustaining the target rescue atmosphere in the corresponding chamber 40, 60 are somewhat more complicated than just initiating rescue.

[0088] Sustaining the target rescue atmosphere in chambers 40, 60 involves controlling both pressure and temperature therein, preferably through feedback control achieved with signals from pressure transducer 112 for assessing pressure, and with signals from Temperature & Humidity (T&H) transducer 140 for assessing temperature.

[0089] Because the thermal energy is preferably provided from multimodal sources, overall control of temperature may involve modulation of only one of those sources such that one source provides a predetermined level (or profile) of thermal energy throughout the rescue attempt, whereas the other thermal source is modulated either through alternating its power distribution On and Off as appropriate, or through proportionally controlling the amount of thermal energy produced by the corresponding thermal source by varying that level of power to that source.

[0090] For instance, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the infra-red source 87 remains fully energized throughout the rescue attempt, while the level of energy provided to resistive heating element 130 is varied. Through careful modeling and calibration during production of system 10 (and/or through neural network learning during the course of prior rescue attempts on prior inundated handsets), the profile for controlling energy to resistive heating element 130 is maximized until the temperature monitored at thermal transducer 140 is within a first margin of the target rescue temperature. Thereafter, preferably, controller 200 distributes gradually less electrical energy to thermal source 130 as the atmospheric temperature continues approaching the target rescue temperature, with the level of energy being reduced in relation to how close the margin of separation from the target rescue chamber.

[0091] In addition to thermal feedback control through atmospheric thermal transducer 140, the resistive heating element 130 also preferably includes a thermocouple switch tied to platform 65, preferably at a location that is at least a quarter-inch away from the point of contact between platform 65 and resistive element 130. Such a thermocouple provides the added safety measure of ensuring, irrespective of the atmospheric temperature in chamber 60, that the actual temperature of platform 65 does not exceed a temperature that would cause melting or cosmetic or other damage to outer surfaces of most known handsets 100. Hence, system 10 preferably couples atmospheric thermal feedback control together with surface temperature feedback control, in addition to subatmospheric pressure feedback control and the other controls of system 10. As an additional measure, resistive element 130 is preferably positioned relatively near to and lower than the atmospheric transducer 140, such that thermal transducer 140 tends to be somewhat sensitive to atmospheric thermal energy rising or radiating from resistive element 130.

[0092] Once a handset rescue is commenced, controller 200 controls the thermal and negative pressure subsystems 110, 80 and 130 to (1) cause the atmospheric conditions in chamber 60 to rapidly approach the target atmosphere levels, and (2) then hold or sustain those atmospheric conditions within a relatively close margin of those target levels. Such a condition is preferably held or sustained for the duration of a predetermined time that is long enough to completely dry the electronic components of most handset models currently in production, assuming they were inundated. In a particularly preferred embodiment, such predetermined time is a standard length of time that is less than two hours in duration and, preferably, approximately thirty minutes in duration. Although some simplified embodiments may include a spring-loaded timer knob on panel 30 to control the length of time for the rescue duration, controller 200 preferably is programmed to control the therapy to last for that duration.

[0093] Throughout the duration of a rescue attempt, controller 200 also monitors the humidity in chamber 60 with a humidity sensor 140. Humidity sensor 140 may be any type of humidity transducer, but is preferably of the type that monitors both temperature and humidity. With its transducer surface positioned in (or in direct communication with) the atmosphere of the sealed space inside chamber 60, wire leads from sensor 140 are connected to convey characteristic information (either analog or digital) about the temperature and humidity of that sealed atmosphere to controller 200.

[0094] Accordingly, controller 200 is able to validate with reasonable reliability whether the rescue attempt is being successful or, at the end of the duration of a rescue attempt, whether it has likely been successful, by determining whether the remaining humidity (i.e., moisture) in the sealed atmosphere is lower than a predetermined threshold. Although other thresholds may be found to be suitable and more reliable thresholds for particular handset models or types may be determined to be safe by testing, the predetermined humidity threshold is preferably set to be less than five percent. The predetermined humidity threshold is preferably set based on the determination that, if the humidity in chamber 60 is less than the threshold amount after handset 100 has been in sealed chamber 60 for the duration of one drying session (typically about thirty minutes), then any significant water in inundated handset 100 has already been removed.

[0095] Incorporating humidity feedback control into the operational logic of controller 200, with reference again to Fig. 5, until the rescue duration has concluded, at query step 218, controller 200 continually monitors the humidity and subatmospheric pressure in chamber 60 to ascertain if target conditions have been achieved. The target conditions are achieved either by (1) the humidity in chamber 60 dropping below a target humidity (which can be calibrated for dry conditions), and/or (2) reaching a target subatmospheric pressure in chamber 60, where the target subatmospheric pressure is greater than the boiling point for water at the controlled target temperature of chamber 60. Whenever the humidity in chamber 60 is below the threshold, and/or the target subatmospheric pressure is reached or exceeded, controller 200 preferably causes a green light on user interface panel 30 to blink regularly, as an indicator to user 150 that the rescue attempt in process appears to be achieving a successful rescue.

[0096] Alternatively, the controller 200 in other embodiments use algorithms to process data from other types of sensors (i.e., other than a humidity sensor 140) to validate with reasonable reliability whether the rescue attempt is likely being or likely has been successful at the end of the duration of a rescue attempt. In one such embodiment, for instance, the system 10 is calibrated such that the controller can compare the actual time required to achieve the target level of negative pressure to an amount of time that is calibrated for achieving such target in the absence of all liquid moisture. Because Applicant has found that the presence of any liquid water in the chamber will lengthen the time for achieving the target pressure, all other factors being held constant, controller 200 is programmed to validate actual absence of liquid water in the event the actual time for target pressure is equal to or less than such a pre-calibrated amount of time. Such pre-calibrated amount of time is approximately the amount of time required to reach pressure targets for the same pump settings when a completely dry phone is in the chamber, although a slight margin of time is added to that in order to allow for imperfections. Hence, controller 200 is able to validate with reasonable reliability whether the rescue attempt is being successful even without a humidity sensor.

[0097] Thereafter, once the preset duration of the rescue attempt (preferably, thirty minutes) is complete, as determined at query step 222, controller 200 then discontinues the vacuum and thermal input into chamber 60. At confirmation query step 219, controller 200 then initiates a second verification cycle to confirm that, from a standard atmospheric pressure state (i.e. after the chamber 60 is vented), it takes less than, or approximately equal to, an expected time to re-achieve the target subatmospheric pressure. This "expected time" can be calibrated (either at manufacturing or periodically during preventive maintenance) by running dry handsets through the system 10 and confirming the amount of time that it takes chamber 60 to reach the target subatmospheric pressure with a dry handset. In a preferred embodiment, the expected time is approximately two minutes, although alternative embodiments may have different expected time values, such as less than five minutes or less than one minute (as two examples). As reflected in the affirmative procession from step 219 to action step 224, if the target subatmospheric pressure is achieved within the expected time, a green light (or any alternative indicator) on user interface panel 30 is caused to change to a constant steady illumination state (or the equivalent) to indicate to user 150 that the rescue attempt appears to have been successful.

[0098] If, on the other hand, controller 200 determines at query step 219 that the target conditions have not been achieved, then the user interface preferably advises user 150 accordingly and prompts user 150 to decide whether user 150 desires to have another rescue attempt for the handset 100. If the user selects the affirmative option, then the entire process repeats. If the user instead chooses not to have another rescue attempt, then controller 200 discontinues the process and provides an audible, visual and/or printed warning that the inundated handset still appears to have water inside and that re-installing the batteries in the handset may cause permanent damage to handset 100 and/or loss of the data stored therein. If user 150 decides not to have another rescue attempt, or if the rescue attempt was successful, the system 10 reaches final step 228 and stops. In some embodiments, user interface panel 30 shows a final message to user 150 at final step 228, which may thank user 150 for using system 10; ask user 150 to come again; notify user 150 that the system 10 is now shutting down; provide user 150 with additional information for keeping their handset 100 safe; a message that benefits the retail store where system 10 is located; or any other message. While in some embodiments the system 10 will shut down at final step 228, in other embodiments, the system 10 remains powered on and ready for the next rescue attempt to speed up the process, which would be particularly useful in situations where there are multiple users 150 waiting to use system 10.

[0099] Preferably, in addition to controlling attainment of the target pressure conditions, controller 200 also controls a release - i.e., venting - of the target pressure conditions in chamber 60. Venting is performed, most notably, upon completion of a rescue attempt, to thereby allow easy opening of the door to chamber 60. The vent valve may be included in the pneumatic string of subsystem 110 in alternative embodiments, such as by using a three-way valve for valve 114 of that string.

[00100] In Fig. 2, however, vent valve 121 is shown in hidden line, behind the far sidewall 61 of chamber 60, in a configuration to vent chamber 60 through distinct venting ports 122a- 22c. When valve 121 is opened under control of controller 200, valve 121 allows flow of dry air through a manifold (not shown) and into chamber 60. Due to the sudden release of subatmospheric pressure in chamber 60, the manifold preferably causes the venting dry air (or other gas such as dry nitrogen or argon from a dedicated source of the same) to be directed as small jets of air blowing into chamber 60 through a series of vent ports 122a-122c pointing toward the typical position where handset 100 is positioned.

[00101] Controlled venting in multiple cycles also maximizes removal of moist gases from chamber 60, preferably by plumbing the feed line for valve 121 into a location adjacent to, or preferably directly above, thermal subsystem 80. With the feed line for valve 121 so positioned, the air used for venting is more likely to be relatively hot and dry. Moreover, by venting such relatively hot and relatively dry gas into chamber 60 at intervals, the most rapid amount of drying can be achieved. [00102] Such a venting process is preferably automatically repeated under control by controller 200 at least twice during a given rescue attempt to further enhance drying, to cause circulation of vented dry gas through directed cross-flow, and to flush more moisture out of handset 100. Use of the vent valve 121 also serves as a way to jet air through the small vent holes 122a-122c directly on the handset 100 before starting a second rescue attempt. Alternative devices such as miniature fans may also be incorporated in alternative embodiments to enhance movement of moisture out of chamber 60. Preferably, vent valve 121 is a normally-open valve such that it is closed when power is distributed to operate a rescue attempt and such that it opens in the event of a power failure, to ensure access to a handset left in chamber 60.

[00103] Alternatively, while the system is running, the GUI 32 will monitor the relative humidity within the chamber and either after a predetermined amount of time or when the relative humidity falls below a predetermined threshold, the system will shut off and the user may then retrieve the rescued handset. In such a case, when the controllers detect that the relative humidity has fallen below the predetermined threshold, that detection becomes an interrupting event that interrupts the rescue cycle before the preset time is complete. Hence, the cycle may be stopped either upon the expiration of a predetermined amount of time or upon reaching a humidity level below a predetermined threshold, either of which causes the system to stop the controlled operation of the rescue attempt. Whenever the system discontinues a rescue attempt, the controllers cause several steps to occur before releasing the latch mechanism and allowing the door to be opened. Such several steps include (i) causing outside air to be vented into the chamber in order to reverse the vacuum effect, (ii) discontinuing power to any heating mechanism so that it is shut off, (iii) discontinuing power to the vacuum pump(s), and (iv) then releasing the locking or latching mechanisms which have kept the rescue chamber door closed and sealed. Only when each of these steps have been completed does the controller prompt the user to open the door and retrieve the rescued handset.

[00104] It should be recognized that controller 200 is preferably embodied to include one or more embedded interacting general or special purpose microprocessors (or other forms of data and/or logic processors) that are programmed or otherwise adapted, preferably including the incorporation of functional software code on machine-readable storage medium, to become adapted for the special purposes and functionality that are described herein, as well as for such other incidental and ancillary purposes and functionality as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand. In addition to adaptation through software programming of data processors, it should also be understood that controller 200 is preferably embodied to include one or more interacting printed circuit boards. Moreover, the above-referenced processors are preferably functionally integrated in or peripheral to such printed circuit boards, together with related electronic components and connecting circuitry that may be necessary or expedient for accomplishing the purposes and functionality of controller 200, especially as relates to controlling and coordinating operation of the other subsystems of system 10 to achieve and ensure the sufficiency of the overall rescue functionality provided by system 10. It should also be recognized that various controllers that make up controller 200 communicate with each other and with the connected sensors and controlled subsystems through any suitable means, whether through analog or digital wire-line communications or through wireless communication, preferably through use of known communication protocols.

[00105] The number of rescue assemblies in a given assembly 10 or location can vary depending on the need, although more than one chamber per system 10 is preferred in typical commercial environments so that at least a second rescue process can be commenced while another is still in process. The operator interface 30 preferably contains subset portions of the electronic controller subsystems 200. The actual locations of the electronic controller 200 as well as the locations, types, and number of sensors can vary in alternate embodiments of the invention. Additionally, alternate embodiments can substitute assemblies for the upper and lower rescue assemblies as well as vary the number of such assemblies. Such alternatives should fall within the scope of some (but not necessarily all) aspects of the present invention, except to the extent clearly excluded by the claims.

[00106] Controller 200 also includes user interface program(s) and controller/processor program(s) which control the electromechanical operation of the preferred embodiment. In some preferred embodiments, a set of one or more lighted indicators are provided on user interface panel 30, each set corresponding to each chamber 40, 60, to indicate one or more states that relate to the operation of the respective chambers 40, 60 or the conditions therein. Such lighted indicators are preferably in positions that allow easy visual correlation to each chamber 40 and 60, such as in positions that are generally directly above the corresponding chambers 40, 60. In operation, controller 200 causes such indicator lights to be illuminated to indicate states of operation of system 10 such as the stage(s) of operation of system 10 or whether threshold conditions have been attained in the corresponding chamber 40, 60. The blue button (pressure attained) is used as an indicator for indicating one of two states to a user, said state being a state of completion of said effective duration and/or a state of effectiveness of the operation of the system; and one or more controllers for serving operative functions while said door is closed and said seal is created, said functions including (i) causing said negative pressure system to operatively produce said negative pressure atmosphere in said chamber, (ii) causing said thermal energy system to operatively deliver said thermal energy, (iii) monitoring said sensor, and (iv) operatively controlling said indicator.

[00107] In still other alternative embodiments, further adaptations are made to enhance optimal pressure and temperature control. Even more speed for rescue is attained in some embodiments through controlled preheating of a thermal sink (not shown). Controls are also programmed into controller 200 to allow for predictive thermal ramping using T-sensor 140 feedback to reduce delta-T as the rescue platform temperature and/or the atmosphere in chamber 60 approaches the target temperature. Until the temperature is close to the target, the power to the respective thermal units is maximized for fastest rate of heating, preferably until a first thermostat switch reaches its set temperature threshold. Thereafter, the energy to (and likewise from) the respective thermal energy units is preferably operated intermittently and modulated at half power to more carefully approach and sustain the target conditions. Manual options may also be substituted, such as through use of variable resistors/rheostats in order to manually modulate the rate at which the target temperature and/or pressure are approached.

[00108] The various subsystems of system 10 are preferably operatively integrated, mounted and housed with an outer housing 11 such as shown in Fig. 1. Housing 11 is preferably formed of polished, stainless, and/or otherwise painted or finished sheet metal (or other suitable material) that is cut, stamped, bent, welded or otherwise joined and finished to form a suitable shape and structure for outer housing 11. Other structural elements (not generally shown) are also preferably included within and joined to housing 11 to provide strength and rigidity for housing 11 and the subsystems supported therein.

[00109] Although not critical to various aspects of the invention, in some embodiments, housing 11 also preferably includes a small bin 26 and a large bin 27 formed integrally with a panel such as side panel 25 of housing 11. It should be recognized, though, that the relative sizes of such bins may well be a matter of choice. Each such bin 26, 27 preferably serves functionality ancillary to operation of system 10, and is preferably formed to have an open upper end 26a, 27a and a closed lower end 26b, 27b. In at least one embodiment, bin 26 serves as a dispenser for disposable components required for certain modes of use of system 10, such as sealable plastic bags 101 in which inundated handsets 100 may be placed during and/or after rescue by system 10. Indeed, one embodiment is adapted to induce the subatmospheric pressure atmosphere to an inundated handset 100 while it is positioned within such a sealable bag 101 and to seal (or allow sealing) of such bag 101 in a manner that sustains the subatmospheric pressure in such bag 101 after the bag 101, with its enclosed handset 100, is removed from chambers 40, 60.

[00110] Bin 27 is provided with accompanying labeling (not shown) to invite customers to deposit inundated handsets 100 into bin 27 (such as through open end 27a). Preferably, the designated purpose for inviting such deposit is for purposes of deferred rescue or for recycling or other processing of an inundated handset 100. Such deferred rescue or other processing is particularly beneficial, for instance, if user 150 is not able to use system 10 at the time of deposit, or if an attempted rescue by system 10 is not successful for handset 100.

[00111] It should be understood that the componentry layout as illustrated in Fig. 2 is simplified for purposes of illustration. Instead, as will be evident to those of skill in the art, preferred embodiments allow numerous bends, supports, brackets, mounts, insulators, packing foam, noise suppressors, bonding agents, adjustments, secondary elements, and the like in order to achieve overall functionality and secondary purposes such as optimizing space and other well-known considerations in the design of such systems. [00112] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a convenient and accurate way for controlling a rescue. The present invention preferably provides such a method in the form of a microprocessor controlled vacuum drying chamber uniquely adapted for rapidly rescuing handsets without melting or otherwise damaging components. The present invention is directed to a method of accelerating, and indicating to the user whether the process is likely to have achieved an adequate level of drying and whether further precautionary measures are recommended to preserve the handset 100 and/or data that may be stored thereon.

[00113] Many other objectives, features, advantages, benefits, improvements and non-obvious unique aspects of the present invention, as well as the prior problems, obstacles, limitations and challenges that are addressed, will be evident to the reader who is skilled in the art, particularly when this application is considered in light of the prior art. It is intended that such objectives, features, advantages, benefits, improvements and non-obvious unique aspects are within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims of this and related patent applications and any amendments thereto.

[00114] To the accomplishment of all the above and related objectives, it should be recognized that this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specifics illustrated or described.

[00115] Preferred embodiments comprise a box 11 into which the inundated handset 100 can be placed and hermetically sealed. Inside the hermetically sealed box 11 preferably is a porous rescue platform 45 on which the inundated handset 100 is positioned to receive controlled levels of negative pressure coupled with thermal energy, preferably from multimodal sources. The thermal energy delivery preferably includes energy from one or more infrared heat lamp(s) to help heat up the atmosphere in the chamber 40 so that the moisture in the electronics device can be driven into the vapor phase, and the vacuum pump 118 is used to reduce the gauge pressure in the chamber 40 and to pump out the vapor. As this concept is applied to inundated handsets 100 over a duration that corresponds to a rescue attempt, ultimately all the moisture in the electronics device 100 should be driven out and pumped out of the chamber. A temperature and moisture sensor 140 is preferably incorporated to track the relative changes in humidity within the pressure vessel. When the relative humidity falls below a predefined threshold, this should mean the inundated handset 100 is now dry.

[00116] Preferably, when the user closes the door to the chamber and activates the drying cycle, via a touch-based graphical user interface (GUI) 32, the program sends digital signals over a universal serial bus (USB) to a multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) device. This device engages two solid-state high current relays that provide power to both the roughing pump and a flexible silicone resistive heating element (attached to the rear inside wall of each pressure vessel). Wired in series with this heating element will be a bimetal thermal sensor 140 which opens the circuit when the sensor gets above a predetermined set point and closes the circuit when the temperature cools below a predetermined threshold.

[00117] In addition to thermal controls that serve to minimize excessive heating, preferred embodiments also include other control systems to help ensure that adequate drying has occurred before discontinuing a drying cycle or, if adequate drying is not obtained after an extended period of time, preferably after sixty minutes of drying cycle operation, to alert the user 150 accordingly, such that the user 150 can make further drying attempts before risking damage by prematurely re-powering the handset 100.

[00118] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, some alternative embodiments also incorporate a handset agitation systems 400, 400' that function to occasionally or continuously move the handset 100 in order (1) to drain or otherwise promote movement of liquid water to other locations within handset 100 in order to encourage additional vaporization of such water, and/or (2) to more evenly distribute the application of thermal energy on all surfaces of handset 100. This agitation subsystem 400 may come in a number of forms that would cause the desired movement of handset 100 while it is undergoing a rescue attempt.

[00119] The agitation subsystem variation shown in Figs. 6 and 7 provides a gradual, continuous rotation of handset 00. The agitation subsystems 400, 400' are shown in Fig. 6 positioned in respective chambers 40, 60. The agitation subsystems 400, 400' are shown in operation indicated by the bent arrows while doors 50, 70 are closed and sealed. In that variation, agitation is achieved by rotating handset 100 much like a rotisserie would achieve rotation in a food cooking application. Such rotisserie-like rotation is preferably less than five revolutions per minute (rpm), and is preferably about two rpm, about an axis of rotation that extends through rotary shafts 435 and 425 as shown in Fig. 7. That axis of rotation through shafts 435 and 425 is preferably oriented to be concentric with the respective chamber 40, 60. As is evident in Fig. 7, handset 100 is held in place on a rotating rack or platform 410 by bands 415, 416, which may be elastic bands. That rotating rack 410 is connected to shaft 435, which is supported rotationally in the bearing of an end support 430 that is oriented in the rear of chamber 40, 60. At the opposite end of rack 410, shaft 425 is supported rotationally in the bearing of an end support 420 that is oriented in the front of chamber 40, 60. As shown, motor 440 may be powered whenever power is distributed to the thermal source 87, thereby ensuring that thermal energy is distributed more evenly on all surfaces of handset 100 whenever such energy is being radiated from source 87. Power to motor 440 is supplied by power cord 450. In one such configuration, the pump 118 is a 120 VAC multistage (i.e., two- or three-stage) pump (preferably oil-less, in order to reduce maintenance) that is capable of pumping 1.5 cubic feet per minute and achieving 29.5 inHg vacuum within chambers 40, 60.

[00120] Other alternative embodiments of agitation subsystem 400 may be substituted in a form that more-aggressively causes acceleration G-forces to act on water inside handset 100. For instance, embodiments with a similar rotational mount in chamber 40, 60 can achieve much faster rotation (more than 200 rpm and, preferably, about 800 rpm) in order to produce centrifuge like G-forces to achieve even faster drying. Still others may achieve a linear agitation (as opposed to rotary agitation), as will be evident to those of skill in the art.

[00121] Reference is next made to Figs. 1A - 1G which describe in greater detail the structure of an alternate embodiment of the present invention implemented in a kiosk type environment. Fig. 1A depicts a self-service machine 510 embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the rescue chambers 530, 534 are 22.5" from the floor. The machine 510 is 27.75" wide. The embodiment contains two rescue chambers. It also has a lower touchscreen display that is the main interaction for consumers. It contains a computer, credit card reader, and cellular modem. The upper display is used for advertising the invention as well as other advertising in some embodiments.

[00122] In Fig. 1A, handset rescue system 510 is configured as a kiosk structure as might be used in a self-service environment such as a shopping mall or other high traffic retail area. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, handset rescue system 510 is configured within kiosk enclosure 512 which is an upright structure similar to other stand-alone vending-machine-type systems. As with the embodiments described above, the handset rescue system 510 configured in this manner is designed to offer two rescue chambers that may be independently accessed and utilized by customers.

[00123] Kiosk enclosure 512 generally includes kiosk base 514 incorporating base front panel 516 which encloses most of the instrumentation and operational components of the system. The upper portion of kiosk enclosure 512 is dedicated primarily to the presentation of information on digital displays in the form of LCD or LED display screens. In the preferred embodiment, a first promotional display 518 is positioned on the uppermost portion of kiosk enclosure 512 with a second instructional display 520 positioned below it. Each of these two displays serves a relevant function in the operation of the system as described in more detail below.

[00124] Credit/debit card reader 522 is positioned at an appropriate operational height as shown in Fig. 1A. Below the display and card reader portion of kiosk enclosure 512 are the primary operational components of the system which are accessed by the customer through two latching chamber doors. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, first rescue chamber door 524 is shown positioned on the left of base front panel 516 while second rescue chamber door 526 is shown positioned at the same height on the right hand side of base front panel 516. In this manner, a user that approaches the kiosk has visual access to the two displays 518 & 520 and physical access to card reader 522 as well as one or the other of the rescue chamber doors 524 & 526, which serve as closures for the chambers 40, 60, respectively. Note that doors 524 & 526 may be substituted by other types of closure members in alternative embodiments. For instance, although doors 524, 526 are hingedly connected to the kiosk unit 510, closures that move like slidable pocket doors, or even slidable drawers, may be used as chamber closures in alternative embodiments while still appreciating many aspects of the present invention. [00125] Reference is next made to Figs. 1 B - 1 D which show the progressive assembly of handset rescue system 510 shown fully assembled in Fig. 1A. In general, Figs. 1 B - 1 G depict a self-service machine 510 embodiment in various stages of assembling and reveal the components and their locations. In this embodiment, the pump for each rescue chamber is located below the respective rescue chamber. The top half of the self-service machine 510 contains a touchscreen, credit card reader, and upper display screen.

[00126] Fig. 1 B shows kiosk enclosure 512 without the upper portion display components installed and only one 530 of the two rescue chambers installed. In the view of Fig. 1 B, kiosk base 514 and the associated base front panel 516 are shown already in place as access into the lower portion of the kiosk enclosure 512 is generally made from a rear panel (see Fig. 2E). Representative rescue chamber 530 is shown positioned above base front panel 516 on an internal shelf that is hidden from the front once the system is fully enclosed. Associated with rescue chamber 530 is chamber connection system 532 which, as described in more detail below, serves to provide the connections between the rescue chamber and the balance of the operational components of the system.

[00127] Fig. 1C shows additional panel components assembled onto the front of kiosk enclosure 512, including promotional display 518 and a panel with aperture 521 for holding instructional display 520 (not shown). These front panels are positioned to include a card reader aperture 523 along with rescue chamber apertures 525 & 527. In addition, adjacent the rescue chamber apertures are latch apertures 529 & 533.

[00128] Fig. 1 D shows in greater detail the manner in which the first rescue chamber 534 and the second rescue chamber 530 are positioned on the shelf of the kiosk enclosure 512 above a lower section of base front panel 516 on kiosk base 514. The view of Fig. 1 D also shows instructional display 520 now positioned appropriately within the instructional display aperture 521 (see Fig. 1 C), typically from the rear. Promotional display 518 in contrast is mounted externally to kiosk enclosure 512 in a manner that allows it to be angled for easy viewing by the customer. Credit/debit card reader 522 is shown positioned at an appropriate operational height as described above. [00129] Fig. 1 E provides additional detail on the user accessible (visual and manual) portions of the kiosk enclosed handset recovery system. Again, first rescue chamber 534 and second rescue chamber 530 are each positioned on a shelf within kiosk enclosure 512. In this view, with the upper section of the base front panel removed, rotating latch mechanisms 535 & 531 are also shown. In a preferred embodiment, these latching mechanisms are positioned on the outside of each of the rescue chambers 530, 534, in a mirrored fashion in order to facilitate the incorporation of the operational mechanisms fully within the enclosure. Credit/debit card reader 522 is shown in position above the rescue chambers while instructional display 520 is again shown to be at approximate eye level for the user.

[00130] Within instructional display 520 are a number of functional fields presented on the touchscreen display. Instruction field 540 provides the primary visual area where instructions are given to the user as the user progresses through the method of use. Selection button fields 542 are positioned next to instruction field 540 and may vary in appearance depending upon what choices the user must make during the process. First chamber status field 544 and second chamber status field 546 are also shown as being consistently presented to the user or multiple users that approach and use the system kiosk. Additional details regarding the presentations on the instructional display are provided below.

[00131] Figs. 1 F & 1G focus in greater detail on the visual presentation aspects of the kiosk embodiment of the present invention. In each of these two views, handset rescue system 510 is again shown to be configured within a kiosk enclosure 512, including kiosk base 514. Rescue chambers 530 & 534 are generally positioned at operational level height for easy access by the user. In a similar manner, card reader 522 is positioned at an appropriate operational height.

[00132] As indicated above, promotional display 518 and instructional display 520 are positioned at eye level or near eye level so that the user may readily see both the information that is being presented of a promotional nature (on promotional display 518) and the information being presented of an instructional nature (on instructional display 520). Promotional display 518 is intended to provide information that identifies the kiosk as a handset rescue system and advertises and promotes the use of the system and its benefits. Typically cycling continuously through various presentations, promotional screen 550 may present branding information 552 and other advertising information in a display scale that may be seen at some distance from the kiosk. In contrast, instructional display 520 will incorporate images and text that are generally only intended to be read by an individual user that approaches closer to the kiosk. Promotional display 518 therefore provides advertising and branding information 552 that identifies the kiosk and attracts users to the device. Instructional display 520 may initially serve as an advertising and promotional display, but once approached by a potential user will shift to specific information and instructions related to initiating the handset rescue process. In one embodiment, a camera sensor is provided to detect the presence of a user or potential user in close proximity to the system.

[00133] In Figs. 1 F & 1G, instructional display 520 is shown again to generally include instruction field 540 as well as selection button fields 542, the functions of which are described above. Also shown in Figs. 1 F & 1G are chamber identification fields 544 as well as chamber status fields 546. Additional detail regarding the use of these fields and the balance of the fields in the instructional display 520 is provided below referencing Figs. 8A - 8J.

[00134] Reference is next made to Figs. 2A - 2E for additional detail on the structures of the rescue chambers utilized in the kiosk embodiment of the system of the present invention. Figs. 2A - 2D depict the workings of a self-service machine 510 embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2A is a front view of a rescue chamber depicting the silicone heating pad 616 and a false back 614. The false back 614 allows the entry of necessary cables and power connections. It also helps prevent vandalism of the connections. The rescue chamber 610 (except for the door) is preferably made from 3/8" aluminum to prevent deflection during the vacuum process. The rescue chamber door can be made from ¼" aluminum if the practitioner desires. The heating pad 616 primarily provides conductive heating and is preferably a silicone rubber heater which is positioned to act as a support surface on which an inundated handset is placed for rescue. As such, pad 616 operates to provide thermal energy to handset 100 as well as to the entire rescue chamber 610 and the atmosphere therein. Although alternative approaches may also be used, pad 616 is preferably attached to the rescue chamber floor with a multi-layered connection. The multi-layered connection is preferably achieved by first applying a layer of room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone to the bottom inner surface of the chamber, then placing an insulating layer of fiberglass fabric on the first RTV layer, then another layer of RTV silicone, all of which is then followed by the heating pad 616 on top.

[00135] Fig. 2A is a front perspective view showing an open rescue chamber as it would appear to the user once the chamber door is opened for insertion of the device to be rescued. Rescue chamber enclosure 610 is generally constructed as a rectangular box with surrounding rescue chamber walls 612. False back wall 614 is provided internally at the end of the enclosure, opposite the door of the rescue chamber, in order to permit operational connections into the enclosure from the rear of the rescue chamber 610 without presenting connectors, valves, or other operational hardware to the user. The user does not encounter any components that might be damaged through inadvertent contact or tampering by the user once the rescue chamber enclosure is opened.

[00136] Also shown in Fig. 2A is heating pad 616 which is positioned as a support surface for handset 100on the base wall of the rescue chamber enclosure. The structure and function of heating pad 616 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2D. False back wall 614 is preferably a perforated panel as shown, mounted on a number of standoffs to the actual back wall of the rescue chamber. In this manner, air flow may occur through false back wall 614 and an incremental space (see Fig. 2D) is concealed in back of the wall to permit the various hardware connections described above.

[00137] Fig. 2B is a top view of a rescue chamber depicting the rescue chamber door. The rescue chamber door is coated with a gasket which allows for a complete seal when closed. The rescue chamber door has a powered mechanism, preferably in the form of a 3-position motor-controlled lock, that locks the door in its closed position when the rescue cycle is engaged. With the door closed and locked, the controller then turns the pumps and heating assemblies on and off according to the rescue process.

[00138] Fig. 2B is a top perspective view of rescue chamber enclosure 610 showing rescue chamber walls 612 and rescue heating pad 616 as in the view of Fig. 2A. Added in Fig. 2B is rescue chamber door 622 incorporating a door sealing gasket 620 which, when operated in conjunction with the latching mechanism for the rescue chamber enclosure, provides a seal sufficient to allow the process steps of the method of the present invention to occur, primarily the process of subjecting the enclosure to a negative pressure and an elevated temperature.

[00139] Fig. 2C is a back view of a rescue chamber depicting various parts of the system 10, most notably the vacuum pump hose, power connections for the heating pad, and a dump valve. All connections are sealed with an epoxy to allow for a tight seal. The valve is a normally-open valve that will automatically open if there is a power interruption. All of the tubing is reinforced PVC tubing.

[00140] Fig. 2C is a perspective view of the external back wall panel of rescue chamber enclosure 610 showing the primary operational connections into the enclosure. The back wall portion of rescue chamber walls 612 is penetrated by vacuum hose 622 as well as heating pad power connection 624. A pressure dump valve 626 is also shown positioned on the rear wall of the chamber with a connection into the chamber (not shown) that allows for the partial vacuum drawn within the chamber to be dumped, or released. Also shown in Fig. 2C is an optional pressure gauge 628 that may be used for set-up and troubleshooting functions for the chamber.

[00141] Fig. 2D is a top plan view of heating pad 616 configured for placement within the rescue chamber enclosure as described above. Heating pad power connection 624 connects to heating pad 616 along a rear edge of the pad. False back wall 614 is shown in dashed line form to indicate the manner in which only the flat non-connector portion of heating pad 616 is presented to the user. An example of a device to be rescued is also shown in dashed line form positioned on heating pad 616. Heating pad 616 is preferably an electrical resistive heating device that incorporates a serpentine conductive path within a non-rigid thermally conductive substrate. A number of silicone rubber based products are available that incorporate heating elements suitable for raising the temperature of the chamber to a level sufficient to facilitate the evaporation of liquids within the device being rescued.

[00142] The invention has a 30-minute cycle. It takes approximately 2 minutes from the start of the pump for the pressure in the rescue chamber to drop to 29.6 inHg. This pressure is maintained from that point on until the end of the 30-minute cycle. The heating pad (Fig. 2D) is cycled on for 12 seconds and off for 48 seconds throughout the complete 30-minute drying process. This cycle ensures that the heating pad will be off for the final 48 seconds of the drying process and thus has sufficient time to cool down for user retrieval.

[00143] Reference is next made to Fig. 2E which is a rear perspective view of the handset rescue system 510 configured within the kiosk enclosure 512 described generally above. This rear view shows in greater detail all of the primary operational components of the system that are generally hidden from view to the user. Positioned within kiosk enclosure 512 is shelf 515 which supports and positions first and second rescue chambers 534 & 530. Shelf 515 also supports and positions rotating latch mechanisms 535 & 531. Rescue chamber apertures 527 & 525 are shown positioned through the front panel of kiosk enclosure 512 with the rescue chamber doors removed in this view for clarity.

[00144] Incorporated into the front panel of kiosk enclosure 512, seen from inside the enclosure in the view of Fig. 2E, are credit/debit card reader 522 and instructional display 520. As indicated above, these components are provided at a level suitable for viewing and manipulation by the user at the front of the handset rescue system.

[00145] First and second rescue chambers 534 & 530 are generally identical in configuration with the exception of their respective chamber doors and the associated latching mechanisms. Again, the mirror-image configurations of the latching mechanisms are preferable in order to make efficient use of the space within the enclosure. Alternate orientations and configurations for the rescue chambers and their respective latching mechanisms are anticipated. The primary goal of the enclosure structure is to provide waist level access to the chambers for the user to allow easy insertion and removal of the device being rescued. Likewise, easy access visually and manually to the instructional display in part defines its position, and the position of the other interactive components of the system, on the kiosk enclosure.

[00146] Positioned below shelf 515 within kiosk enclosure 512 is the balance of the operational components of the system that are not intended to be accessed or viewed by the user. These include first vacuum pump 672 connected by way of vacuum hose 621 to first rescue chamber 534. In a similar manner, second vacuum pump 670 is connected by way of vacuum hose 622 to second rescue chamber 530. In a preferred embodiment of the kiosk enclosed system, a centrally positioned power and control unit 674 provides both a signal control and a power distribution point for directing power not only to vacuum pumps 672 & 670 but also to the heating pads (not shown) by way of electrical conductors 623 & 624. Power to the system as a whole is provided by way of AC power cord 676 which directs available AC power into the control and power unit 674. Vacuum pumps 672 & 670 as well as power and control unit 674 are shown supported by rescue system base 517.

[00147] Not shown in Fig. 2E are all of the various low power, signal and control wires that are necessary for the complete operation of the system. Each of the display panels, for example, not only requires the necessary power connection, but also the data signal connections to drive the displays. Credit/debit card reader 522 likewise requires low power connections along with signal connections conducting data to the control and power unit 674. Each of the vacuum dump valves on each of the rescue chambers likewise require power and signal conductors to activate and operate the valves. Various other sensors and solenoid control mechanisms may be utilized throughout the system, all of which would receive their power and signal controls from control and power unit 674 through conductors as typical in the art. A terminal block connects all the components of the invention for computer control. This includes a timer, a computer, the pumps, the heating pads, and display screens. The computer is connected to a cellular modem that allows customer communication via email receipts and notification of completion of the drying cycle. The computer also can connect to a central server to transfer transaction information, errors, repair requests, and other information. The computer runs the two displays and the credit card reader.

[00148] The upper display of the self-service machine 510 embodiment of the invention as depicted in Fig. 1A is on a continuous-loop video. The video can contain advertising promoting the invention. It can also be utilized as an advertising revenue stream in alternative embodiments. Reference is made to Figs. 8A - 8J for a detailed description of the visual display and interactive process that the user is directed through during the use of the system. Various display fields on instructional display 520 serve consistent functions while other fields change depending on the stage of the process in which the user is involved. Figs. 8A - 8J depict the lower display screen for a user of a self-service embodiment of the present invention. The lower display is a touchscreen and acts as the main customer user interface of the self-service machine 510 embodiment of the present invention. It is to be understood that when an element is numbered in any one of Figs. 8A - 8J, it is the same element that corresponds with the same number when that number appears in any of the other Figs. 8A - 8J. For example, reference number 702 illustrated on Fig. 8A shows a Trademark/Servicemark field that displays the trademark name and logo for the device rescue service. In any of the other Figs. 8B - 8J which include element 702, it is understood that this represents the Trademark/Servicemark field as originally shown in Fig. 8A.

[00149] Fig. 8A is the default home screen. It allows operation of the device with two basic options - (1 ) Dry a phone or (2) Retrieve a phone that has completed the drying process. On the bottom is a status that contains information about availability of the rescue chambers and, if they are occupied, how much time remains in the drying process. If both rescue chambers are occupied, choosing the Dry option prompts a statement similar to, "PLEASE WAIT. Neither chamber is available at the moment. Discontinue and return once one of the chambers is available (typically less than 30 minutes, absent a cue). NOTE: While waiting, please allow others to access this terminal in order that they may retrieve their dried device, which is necessary for making one of the chambers available."

[00150] Fig. 8A shows the basic display on instructional display 520 when a user initially steps up to the system or when a returning user approaches to retrieve that user's device. Trademark/Servicemark field 702 consistently displays the trademark name and logo for the device rescue service. Title field 704 varies according to the nature of the overall display and generally identifies and informs the user about what they are currently viewing on the screen. Selection button fields 706 & 708 may vary in their function but generally present the user with the manner of selecting actions to be taken during the process. Information and directions field 710 is the primary location on the display where information about the system is provided to the user and step-by-step directions are provided. The four fields across the bottom of instructional display 520 consistently identify and provide the status of each of the rescue chambers. Chamber identification fields 712 & 714 are positioned above, and generally identify, Chamber A and Chamber B within the system. Chamber status fields 716 & 718 alternate between indicating the respective chamber to be available for use or occupied, with a timer display indicating the remaining time left for the drying process currently underway.

[00151] In the view of Fig. 8A the user is generally informed about the system and is prompted to choose between initiating the process for the user's device (selection button 706) or returning to recover the user's device after the completion of the drying process (selection button 708). Instructional display 520 is, as indicated above, preferably a touchscreen display that allows the user to interact with the varying button fields that are presented. Once a new user initiates the process (Chamber B shown to be available, for example), more detailed information and general instructions are provided in information and directions field 710. The user continues through this introductory instructional process by touching the continue button field 722 as shown in Fig. 8B. Once general information and instructions are viewed, the process continues in Fig. 8C with presentation of the Terms & Conditions for use of the system (which are displayed in information and directions field 710). The user is then prompted to either agree to the Terms & Conditions by touching selection button field 708 or to go back to the previous step by touching selection button field 706.

[00152] Once the user agrees to the Terms & Conditions the process for payment and customer identification is initiated. In the display shown in Fig. 8D, the user is presented with the cost of the process within cost field 721 and the time duration of the process in time field 723. A video showing the manner of using the credit/debit card reader may preferably be shown in the video field 720. If the user wishes to cancel the operation of the process as a whole, or to return to the main menu, cancel button field 722 may be touched. Otherwise, the process continues once the user appropriately interacts with the credit/debit card reader.

[00153] Fig. 8B depicts the "Dry" pathway. The first screen in this pathway contains information about the process. Fig. 8B introduces the video field 720, wherein videos relating to instructional information may be viewed as described in more detail below. Fig. 8C is the drying process agreement. Fig. 8D is the credit card payment screen. In this particular embodiment a video or pop-up informs the customer that "Once the drying cycle is complete (30 minutes), YOU MUST SWIPE THE SAME CREDIT CARD IN ORDER TO RETRIEVE YOUR DEVICE" or something similar. Fig. 8E asks for an email address to provide a receipt and notification that the drying cycle is complete. In some embodiments the receipt and notification could also include texting (SMS, MMS) or other contact. At the completion of the step depicted in Fig. 8E the appropriate rescue chamber door unlocks and opens pneumatically.

[00154] Fig. 8E shows the instructional display after the user has swiped the user's credit/debit card and payment and identification have been confirmed. The process proceeds to solicit contact information from the user for the purpose of notifying the user of the completion of the process of drying the user's device. This contact information may preferably take the form of an email address (as shown in field 710) or through the selection of social media communications in which the user may be enrolled. Other options for contacting the user are selected with selection button fields 706 & 708.

[00 55] Fig. 8F plays an instructional video while waiting for the consumer to place the device in the rescue chamber and selecting continue. When the continue button is selected the rescue chamber door is closed. In alternative embodiments various sensors detect the device's presence in the rescue chamber and no obstruction of the door. Fig. 8G is a confirmation screen which displays once the rescue chamber door is closed and latched.

[00 56] Fig. 8F shows the display screen providing final instructions to the user regarding the preparation of the device before placing it within the rescue chamber (information and direction field 710) and offers a video of the process for preparing and placing the device into the rescue chamber (video field 720). At this stage of the process the system operates to unlatch and open the door to the rescue chamber being used (see description of Figs. 9A - 9D below). The user then signals a readiness to continue by touching continue button field 722.

[00157] Fig. 8G shows the display once the user has inserted the user's device in the available chamber and the system has closed and latched the chamber door. This stage of the process is confirmed by the indications in chamber status field 718 that now indicates Chamber B to be occupied and operating with a given amount of time remaining in the process. The system reminds the user of the approximate time period within which to return and the requirements for using the same credit/debit card to retrieve the rescued device. This information is once again provided in information and directions field 710. [00158] Figs. 8H - 8J depict the retrieval pathway. Fig. 8H asks the customer to swipe the same credit/debit card that was used in the dry pathway. Fig. 8I provides instruction to retrieve the device and press continue. Fig. 8J provides a final thank you, refund policy and conditions, and other information to the customer.

[00159] It is anticipated that a customer may return to retrieve the customer's device prior to the completion of the controlled operative duration (i.e. the rescue attempt). As described above, and shown in Fig. 8A, the customer must touch selection button field 708 ("Retrieve my device"). After this step, the display will prompt the customer to swipe the same credit/debit card that was used to begin the rescue. In some embodiments, if the rescue attempt is not completed, and the customer attempts to retrieve the customer's device, the system will inquire whether the customer would like to proceed with retrieval. If the customer answers yes, then the system will the controlled operation prior to completion of the rescue. For this to occur, the system must generally vent the rescue chamber which will discontinue the vacuum created during the rescue attempt. The system will also shut down any heating mechanism used during the rescue attempt, and any controlled locking mechanism will be disengaged in order to allow the customer to open the rescue chamber door to retrieve the customer's device.

[00160] Fig. 8H shows the display that prompts a returning user to swipe the same credit/debit card that was used to initiate the rescue service, again by presenting these directions in fields 710 & 720. Various actions may be selected with the use of selection button fields 724 including canceling the operation (returning to the main screen menu shown in Fig. 8A).

[00161] Figs. 8I & 8J show the display providing the final instructions for removing the rescued device from the appropriate chamber (field 710 in Fig. 8I) and allowing the user to complete the entire process (continue button field 722). The final screen shown in Fig. 8J serves to thank the customer and to provide additional contact information for follow-up or additional questions. Preferably the system offers a website where much more information about the care of digital electronic devices and the process for rescuing them is provided. The customer is invited to visit the website and review this additional information (website information provided in field 710) and then to exit the system process (exit button field 722). [00162] While the detailed process for rescuing an inundated device is more complex than the series of steps displayed to the user (as shown in Figs. 8A - 8J), the goal of the kiosk self-serve embodiment of the present invention is to minimize the skill required of the user to fully service and rescue the user's device. The process described above with reference to Figs. 8A - 8J is, of course, just a subset of the overall process of the system of the present invention, which is described in more detail in conjunction with the flowchart diagrams of Fig. 5.

[00163] Reference is next made to Figs. 9A - 9D which show in greater detail an alternate structure for the system utilizing a powered mechanism for opening and closing, latching and unlatching, the rescue chamber doors. Fig. 9A is a detailed view of the external components of the door opening and latching assembly 910. The assembly shown in Fig. 9A is mirrored by a similar assembly operable with the second rescue chamber (not shown) positioned on the right hand side (when viewed from the front) of kiosk enclosure 512. Those skilled in the art will recognize corresponding components that are the mirror image of those shown in Fig. 9A operable in connection with the second rescue chamber door.

[00164] The alternate opening and latching assembly 910 comprises rotating linkage elements along with a latching element to open and close the door as well as secure it in its closed position, depending on the step in the operation of the method of the present invention. Door opening and latching assembly 910, as viewed from the outside of enclosure 512, generally comprises chamber door 912 fitted with gasket material 914 on the inside surface of the door. Central panel 916 of chamber door 912 may, in one embodiment, comprise a transparent panel suitable for allowing the user visual inspection of the interior of the rescue chamber while in use. Chamber door 912 opens and closes by movement on hinge member 922 connected to chamber body 918. Heating element 920 is seen forming a significant portion of the floor of the rescue chamber in this view.

[00165] The linkage assembly shown includes intermediate linkage 924 that extends from inside enclosure 512 to the outside. Door linkage element 926 is pivotally connected to intermediate linkage element 924 and further incorporates latch slot 928. The manner in which latch slot 928 serves to lock the door in its closed position is described in more detail below. [00166] Referring to Fig. 9B, the interior components of both of the door opening and latching assemblies are disclosed. Surrounding rescue chambers 930 & 931 , each with a connector back panel 932 & 933 respectively, are all of the various operational and control components associated with the opening and closing, latching and unlatching, functions of the rescue chamber doors. In the view shown in Fig. 9B, both assemblies are disclosed. Microprocessor controllers 944 & 946 are centrally positioned and provide the necessary control signals to the various actuators within each of the door opening and closing assemblies, as determined by the various steps in the operation of the method of the present invention. The first door opening and closing assembly, shown on the right hand side in Fig. 9B, represents the assembly disclosed on the outside of the enclosure 512 in Fig. 9A. Once again, the assembly associated with the second rescue chamber is a mirror image of the assembly associated with the first rescue chamber. In Fig. 9B, the first door opening and latching assembly is shown to comprise linkage assembly 940 as well as latching arm 934. Two actuators 938 & 942 are controlled by microprocessor controllers 944 & 946. Actuator 942 moves linkage assembly 940 while actuator 938 moves latching arm 934. Reed switch 936 detects the position of latching arm 934 and provides feed back to the micro-processor controllers regarding the status of the door latch.

[00167] Similar components are shown in conjunction with second rescue chamber 931. Linkage assembly 941 is associated with latching arm 935. Actuators 943 & 939 serve the same purpose as actuators 942 & 938 respectively. Position sensor 937 identifies whether latching arm 935 is in an open or closed condition.

[00168] Figs. 9C & 9D show in plan views further detail regarding the various components described above in conjunction with Fig. 9B. Enclosure 512 surrounds the major components of the door opening, closing and latching assembly. Chamber door 912 and gasket 914 are shown in this view external to enclosure 512. The door opening, closing, and latching assemblies are shown adjacent to rescue chamber 930. Door linkage element 926 is shown fixed to chamber door 912 and extending into enclosure 512 to a point of pivotal connection with intermediate linkage 924. In turn, intermediate linkage 924 is pivotally connected to drive linkage 950 which is finally secured to linkage drive motor 942. The rotation of linkage drive motor 942 directs the rotation of drive linkage 950 and thereby moves the entire linkage assembly laterally so as to direct chamber door 912 inward or outward on its hinge.

[00169] Latching arm 934 is rotationally connected to latch drive motor 938 which, through rotation, serves to engage latching arm 934 or disengage the arm from latching slot 928 in door linkage 926. Reed switch 936 serves as a position sensor for latching arm 934 and provides feedback to the microprocessor controller of the system to confirm the position of latching arm 934.

[00170] Fig. 9D is essentially a mirror image of Fig. 9C disclosing the same or similar components associated with the operation of the latching assembly forming the door opening, closing, latching, and unlatching functions for the second rescue chamber. Enclosure 512 surrounds the major components of the door opening, closing and latching assembly as also shown in Fig. 9C. Chamber door 913 and gasket 915 are shown in this view external to enclosure 512. In Fig. 9D, rescue chamber 931 is shown to have positioned next to it the same basic linkage assembly comprising door linkage 927, intermediate linkage 925, and drive linkage 951. Linkage drive motor 943 is shown connected to drive linkage 951 as described above. Latch drive motor 939 is shown connected to latching arm 935, the position of which is detected by reed switch position sensor 937. Latching arm 935 engages or disengages door linkage member 927 at latching slot 929. The foregoing description of the opening, closing and latching assemblies is only one example of such powered mechanisms. Other powered mechanisms for performing the same or similar functions and achieving the same or similar results are contemplated.

[00171] Through convenient access and use, some preferred embodiments help to make the handset recovery process more accessible to a greater number of handset users 150, thereby enabling peace of mind that an attempt to salvage the handset 100 has been made even if the handset 100 or its data are, in fact irretrievable. By partnering with wireless telecommunications carriers and/or shipping services, some preferred embodiments ensure availability of a rapid- handset-drying alternative through attractive business arrangements that compensate such partners with bonus fees that increase relative to the amount of revenue-generating use for the particular handset recovery station, in addition to reasonable flat fees. Some embodiments also generate revenue through referral services and/or advertising displays that provide handset users with information about other handset options, carrier options and/or handset service options, preferably in the general vicinity of each particular handset recovery station. By delivering an automated rescue system 10 that routinely completes a rescue attempt in less than an hour (or, more preferably, less than thirty minutes), in a retail business setting that commercializes other products, such as phones, electronics and accessories, potential purchasers are likely to remain in the sales setting while waiting for the rescue attempt to be completed, thereby increasing the likelihood of incidental purchase transactions for that setting. Preferred embodiments work to educate handset users 150 on best practices for safe and effective use of handsets 100. Other objectives of the invention involve improving over the state of the art, and providing such systems and methods together with business methods and accommodations that will allow successful and sustainable implementation in the marketplace. Related business methods of preferred embodiments derive revenue through licensing and marketing agreements with service center owners or the operators of other retail establishments such as courier mail centers. Whether now known or later discovered, there are countless other alternatives, variations and modifications of the many features of the various described and illustrated embodiments, both in construction and in operation, that will be evident to those of skill in the art after careful and discerning review of the foregoing descriptions, particularly if they are also able to review all of the various systems and methods that have been tried in the public domain or otherwise described in the prior art. All such alternatives, variations and modifications are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred and alternate embodiments, this description has been provided by way of explanation of examples only and is not to be construed as a limitation of the invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims of any related patent applications and any amendments thereto.

[00172] Alternative embodiments of certain aspects of the present invention also include adaptations of the methods and systems described above, such as adaptations to be used for providing a straightforward method and system by which a user 150 can attempt to rescue a handset 100 and determine whether the attempt is likely to have succeeded. Such alternatives include comparable adaptations such that drying will likely be accelerated. While the various particular steps that would be useful in determining whether a handset 100 has been adequately dried may vary depending on the specific handset 100 model and the circumstances and extent of its inundation, it will be evident to those of skill in the art whether and how systems and methods of the present method can be adapted for use with any particular inundated handheld device 100.

[00173] Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of various preferred embodiments. However, it is understood that these and other embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, components, circuits or processes may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[00174] Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps and means described above may be done in various ways. For example, these techniques, blocks, steps and means may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, macro- controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described above, and/or a combination thereof.

[00175] Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have many additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[00176] Embodiments of the invention may involve use of a portable user interface that is adapted to provide or allow continuous or intermittent secure links with a kiosk unit 510 through an IP protocol network, for monitoring the unit and its operation. For a middleware and/or other software implementation, the methodologies may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions may be used in implementing the methodologies described herein. For example, software codes may be stored in a memory. Memory may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor and may be downloadable though an internet connection service. As used herein the term "memory" refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.

[00177] Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term "storage medium" may represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term "machine readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and/or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and/or data.

[00178] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, scripting languages, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, and/or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, scripting language, and/or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable medium such as a storage medium. A code segment or machine-executable instruction may represent a procedure, function, subprogram, program, routine, subroutine, module, software package, script, class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, and/or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, and/or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc. [00179] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[00180] While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Whether now known or later discovered, there are countless other alternatives, variations and modifications of the main features of the various described and illustrated embodiments, both in the process and in the system characteristics, that will be evident to those of skill in the art after careful and discerning review of the foregoing descriptions, particularly if they are also able to review all of the various systems and methods that have been tried in the public domain or otherwise described in the prior art. All such alternatives, variations and modifications are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[00181] Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred and alternative embodiments, these descriptions and embodiments have been provided by way of explanation of examples only, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. As such, the descriptions and embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims of this and any related patent applications and any amendments thereto.